The two time Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner is looking good early on in the season's first World Golf Championships event.
The Northern Irishman fired an eight under par 63 to take a one shot lead over Dustin Johnson.
Meanwhile Justin Thomas and Matt Kuchar are two strokes back on seven under par.
Meanwhile 14-time major winner Tiger Woods is on level par, eight shots off the pace.

Pakistan survive Dutch scare in T20 World Cup opener
Arqoub Al Sadeera Race to conclude 10th Al Salam Cycling Championship
Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi welcomes over 25,000 athletes
Ekaterina Alexandrova rallies to advance to Abu Dhabi finals
Sooryavanshi's record 175 guides India to Under-19 World Cup glory
